First look: Ageless Manny Pacquiao fights undefeated welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in one month

He’s a 42-year-old Senator with presidential aspirations, a humanitarian, and a lock to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Common sense would say he’s retired from the ring and plotting his next political move.

But Manny Pacquiao is hardly common. 

Pacquiao, born in abject poverty, has been fighting since he was twelve. Do the math. His boxing career has been exemplary. He’s defeated some of the best fighters of his era, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar De la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley, Timothy Bradley, and in his last fight in 2019, undefeated Keith Thurman.

To me, the Thurman victory was one for the ages. Pacquiao blasted out of the gate that night, flooring the much younger Thurman in the opening round. At times he labored, looking every inch the older fighter, but still with the ability to dig down deep and summon his energies.

On August 21 in Las Vegas, site of some of his greatest victories and crushing defeats, Pacquiao will fight another undefeated young gun.

Errol Spence Jr. has amassed 21 knockouts in his 27 wins. He’s bigger, stronger, and younger than Pacquiao. He dominated former champions, Mickey Garcia and Danny Garcia, and fought a grueling brawl with Shawn Porter. On another level altogether, Spence survived a horrific automobile accident two years ago. He had no business walking away from such a cataclysmic event, injured badly but virtually intact.    

Pacquiao relishes the challenge of fighting Spence.

“There were a lot of opportunities for me to pick an easier fight than this,” Pacquiao said. “But I picked Errol Spence Jr. because I want a real fight and a great fight for the fans. I’m a fighter and boxing is my passion.”

Spence is equally excited about facing Pacquiao. 

“This is a great opportunity," said Spence. “Coming off of my accident I went right to fighting Danny Garcia and now Pacquiao. A lot of people were in the Pacquiao sweepstakes. When I got the call about this fight, I agreed right away and didn’t give it a second thought.”

Sweepstakes is right. Pacquiao is guaranteed 15 million dollars plus a share of per-pay-view and broadcasting rights. Spence will pocket seven million and another three if pay-per-view numbers are met.

That’s a lot of cheese.

Maxboxing will take a closer look at this important bout as it draws closer.  

We’re a month away.

Many possibilities and intrigue await.